AFC Liverpool 0-2 Ramsbottom United

Ramsbottom United had the opportunity to show what they're made of as they travelled to the Atlantic Coast and the hinterland of the docks to play the ‘non-league Reds,’ AFC Liverpool, at Bootle on Tuesday evening.

A mix of torrential rain, blustery wind, red flares and fireworks provided the dramatic backdrop as Rams, in blue, started brightly with accurate passing,  balls to feet and incisive running by Holland- Wilkinson and Luke Sephton causing the home side a host of problems

The visitors created a series of chances with the best seeing a cross flash wide when only the faintest touch was needed for a deserved lead.

The bright floodlights picked out sheets of the incessant rain, which at least made the surface slick. Rams to put some smart moves; one delightful interchange saw the ball dragged back and moved at pace in the box before drawing a fine save from the imposing home keeper Ben Barnes.

No breakthrough occurred and the home side gained confidence. Playing attractive football from the back, they fashioned a series of chances with the best needing Brad Rose in the right place as he wrapped his body around the ball to keep out a piledriver and then making sure it did not run free.

With the referee allowing the game to flow. It was some surprise that the scoreline remained goalless at the break

AFC started with purpose as the second half got underway.  A header from a dangerous central position drifted wide of Rose’s right-hand post - when they should have scored.

Rams, with the youthful Braganca and Thompson, providing energy and mobility from the wing back berths and prompted in the centre by the deep lying Baker, with his taut rhythmic passing dictating the tempo of the match.

On the hour a fierce shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Barnes who got down low to keep it out but the ball span free and Matt Dudley was following up. Dudley adjusted his balance before poking it past the prone Barnes and into the net, giving the Rams a deserved lead which he celebrated with the travelling fans.

At times this season the team have not managed out games from a winning position, this time they continued their attractive football, spurred on by the vociferous band of followers.

There were scares. A fierce flashing effort across the box and another shot from Liverpool was well saved by a supremely placed Rose.

With Jacob Holland-Wilkinson back to his lively best Rams fashioned a lightning speed breakaway with a lovely interchange as Matt Dudley shielded the ball before playing a delightful ground pass in front of Holland Wilkinson.  He in turn kept the momentum going, bursting into the box at pace, adjusting his feet on the move and then switching his weight before producing an emphatic bending shot which nestled into the far corner of the net leaving Barnes clutching at air.

In producing one of the goals of the season Holland- Wilkinson ran across to receive the acclaim from the jubilant ultras as teammates also ran over to join the celebrations.

On this occasion Rams managed the closing ten minutes well and nearly added a third in injury time as Holland -Wilkinson nudged a cross against the crossbar.

The performance, as good as anything this season, brings Rams to 78 points. Every time they are written off, they respond, they sit six points behind leaders Wythenshawe with nine matches remaining.